Friday, August 23, 2019

These Outdoor Entertaining Hacks Will Help You Keep Your Cool This Summer

Your Dogs Can Safely Enjoy These Summer BBQ Treats

Dog-Inspired Kitchen Tools That Are Perfect for Pet Lovers

dog kitchen tools and gadgets (great gifts for dog lovers)

They say that dogs are man’s best friend, but the same can be said about a slice of cheesecake or a delicious brisket. In fact, there are times when we prefer the latter: less responsibility and absolutely no barking.

For that fido-loving friend who also happens to love cooking and baking, why not combine the best of both worlds with these dog-inspired kitchen gadgets? They’re adorable, make perfect gifts (hint, hint: August 26 is National Dog Day), and could possibly enhance the quality of your meals (or at least the experience of making them).

From a corgi wine stopper to dachshund chopstick rests, scroll down to fetch all of our unique finds. They give a new meaning to the term dog treats.

“Corki” Wine Stopper, $7.06 on Amazon

Amazon

We judge (ever so slightly) those who are in need of a wine stopper, but if you can’t finish a bottle (blasphemy), you may as well plug it with something adorable. And frankly, what’s more adorable than a Corgi?Buy Now

Dachshund Ice Cube Tray, $6.99 on Amazon

dachshund ice cube tray

Amazon

If you assumed we’d toss in something hot dog-related to pay homage to the precious wiener, you thought wrong. That’s way too predictable! Instead, surprise cocktail hour guests with dachshund ice cubes. They’re quite the conversation starter.Buy Now

Dog Print Dishcloths, 2 for $9.45 on Amazon

dog dish cloth

Amazon

The irony of this pick is that it’s usually your dog that’s creating the mess, not cleaning it. Horrible wet dog smell not included (we hope).Buy Now

Dog Kitchen Timer, $6.09 on Amazon

dog kitchen timer

Amazon

You’ll now know when it’s time to walk your four-legged friend and take the cherry pie out of the oven. Multi-tasking at its finest.Buy Now

Dog Spatula, $12 on Amazon

Amazon

One must “wag” the batter, not stir with this adorable Sur La Table spatula. Just don’t wag too much if you’re making a delicate soufflĂ©. Buy Now

Dog Paper Towel Holder, $19.98 on Amazon

Amazon

Dog lover, cat lover, fish lover, whatever. You don’t have to love animals to buy this hilarious and quirky paper towel holder that’s perfect for a modern kitchen.Buy Now

Dog Cast Iron Trivet, $14.97 on Amazon

Amazon

Now that’s what we call a hot dog. Literally. Your pots, pans, and cookie sheets have never looked better.Buy Now

Dog Rolling Pin, $33.99 on Amazon

Amazon

They see you rollin’, they hatin’, especially when they find out your rolling pin has dogs on it and theirs doesn’t.Buy Now

Dog Salad Serving Set, $26.91 on Amazon

Amazon

Salads are typically one of the most boring dishes on the dinner table, but serving the greens with these utensils will have guests saying “bow wow.”Buy Now

Dachshund Chopstick Rests, 5 for $13.99 on Amazon

dachsund chopstick rest

Amazon

You’ve heard of giving your dogs a rest, but now you can rest your chopsticks on these adorable silver dachshunds. And you thought your bowl of ramen couldn’t get any better.Buy Now

Related Video: How to Make Homemade Salmon Treats for Your Dog



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The Best Gifts for Dog Lovers

dog print reusable bag

Dog lovers tend to be demonstrative—not only do we shower our furry friends with attention, fancy dog food, and gourmet dog treats, we often like to announce our devotion to the world at large, or at least appreciate a few Fido-themed tchotchkes. If you’re one of us—or know someone who is—these are some of the best gifts for dog lovers we could fetch.

We already rounded up some adorable (and practical) dog-themed kitchen items in honor of National Puppy Day, but who can ever get enough of dogs? Not us—and besides, National Dog Day is on August 26—so here’s another round of perfect dog-themed gifts.

Grounds & Hounds Coffee Subscription, starting at $13.99/month

Grounds & Hounds coffee subscription

Grounds & Hounds

Love coffee almost as much as you loves corgis? Consider a coffee subscription from the wonderfully named Grounds & Hounds—they sell fair trade, organic, specialty coffees (and other coffee-related products) and donate 20 percent of profits to support rescue organizations that help dogs who are between homes. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, in more than one way—and in honor of National Dog Day, you can get free shipping right now, plus a free D.O.G Party Mug with orders over $50 (just use the code FORTHEPUPS at checkout).Buy Now

Now Designs Basic Cotton Kitchen Chef’s Apron in Dog Days, $18.85 on Amazon

dog print apron on Amazon

Amazon

If your dog lover is also a dinner-maker or dessert-baker, chances are they’ll adore this dog-print apron, which has a handy pocket in front for holding utensils, a phone, or a supply of dog treats.Buy Now

Dog Print Silicone Oven Mitts, 2 for $19.98 on Amazon

dog print oven mitts with silicone grip

Amazon

Protect your own paws with these puppy-print oven mitts. They have a soft lining for comfort but a textured silicone coating that provides both heat protection and a secure grip—much to the dog’s chagrin, there’s no chance you’ll drop that pan of lasagna on the floor.Buy Now

Ritz Floral Frenchie Dog Kitchen Dish Towels, 2 for $18.98+ on Amazon

Frenchie tea towels Amazon

Amazon

Fact: Frenchies are adorable, and flower crowns, however played-out some may deem them, are still charming (at least when they’re placed on animals, or on pictures of animals). So, these kitchen towels are clearly extra cute, and your favorite French bulldog fan or pet-having hipster (maybe that’s you?) will proudly display them.Buy Now

Kikkerland Dog Butt Magnets, 6 for $10.95 on Amazon

dog butt magnets

Amazon

Decidedly less chic, these assorted dog bottoms will still delight those with certain strains of humor. And every fridge needs some random novelty magnets, so why not these? The fire hydrant is a nice touch.Buy Now

Top Dog Travel Bag, $39.99 on Amazon

dog travel bag on Amazon

Amazon

Do you like to take your precious pup everywhere? Then you’ll surely appreciate this doggie travel bag, with several handy zippered and/or elastic compartments, including one for kibble—it even comes with two collapsible bowls for feeding and watering on the go. And it’s TSA-approved, so perfect for jet setters (or Westminster Dog Show candidates).Buy Now

Loqi Store Dog Print Reusable Bag, $10.59 on Amazon

dog print reusable bag

Amazon

Reusable bags are a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic, and they come in so many styles, they basically double as accessories. This dog-printed tote bag is perfect for those who want to advertise their love for puppies while they’re grabbing groceries—or taking a day trip to the beach (with their party animal in tow, no doubt).Buy Now

Stainless Steel Dog Mom Stemless Wine Tumbler, $20.95 on Amazon

Dog Mom wine tumbler

Amazon

For the dog moms who want everyone to know where their allegiances lie, this insulated tumbler is perfect for sipping morning coffee, afternoon water, or evening wine—and it has a lid to guard against spills (whether from human error or wildly wagging tails).Buy Now

Haute Diggity Dog Muttini Bar Collection Plush Wine Bottle Toy, $13.99 on Amazon

dog toy wine bottle squeaky toy

Amazon

Speaking of wine, while you’re enjoying your own, throw your dog a bone—or rather, a wine bottle, in plush toy form. You can play doggy sommelier too. For instance, if this “Cavalier Sauvignon” from “Napaw Valley” doesn’t seem like it’d do it for the dog in question, go with a “Woof Clicquot” squeaky toy instead.Buy Now

Bowser Beer, 3 bottles for $14.99 on Amazon

dog beer Amazon

Amazon

Conversely, if you and your dog prefer beer, this nonalcoholic drink for dogs is made from malt barley and glucosamine, which is great for maintaining healthy joints. Word of caution, though: reviews are mixed; some dogs reportedly loved it, while others of the Spuds MacKenzie persuasion probably would have preferred a Bud Light.Buy Now

Petcube Bites Wi-Fi Pet Camera and Treat Dispenser, $249 at Walmart

PetCube remote dog cat camera and treat dispenser

Walmart

This wifi-enabled pet camera and treat dispenser lets you stay connected to your pup even when you’re at the office (working hard so your dog can have a better life, of course). It lets you see 1080p HD video of your dog (or cat), even talk to them and remotely throw treats. Other features include night vision, sound and motion alerts, and an optional cloud recording service so you can access stored video—honestly, this almost doubles as home security, in case your dog is not so much about guarding the house as it is about lazing around it.Buy Now



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How to Make Homemade Dog Food

Size Matters, Grass-Fed Doesn’t & Other BBQ Secrets from a Famed Pitmaster

Labor Day is the last “official” grilling day of the season, or at least the last official summer party occasion. If you want to do it up in high style, consider smoking a brisket. And if you want to make the best smoked brisket ever, take some pointers from a pitmaster.

Aaron Franklin is one such ascended master of BBQ, and he’s sharing his best BBQ tips, tricks, and secrets with the world. Having earned a 2015 James Beard Award, and high praise from critics, Franklin popularized a slow smoking process that has mouths watering and lines forming outside his famous Franklin Barbecue (Austin) all year round.

Few are better suited to teach a crash course on BBQ, and lucky for anyone interested in learning the trade themselves, Franklin has teamed up with MasterClass for an exclusive 16-lesson series on Texas Style BBQ that launched in May. In it, Franklin shares his secrets for succulent BBQ brisket, pork butt, and ribs. Students of the BBQ MasterClass will learn how to choose and prep the best barbecue meats, nail the optimal cooking times and temps, and handle an offset smoker like a pro.

There’s no substitute for watching someone like Franklin walk and talk you through the steps of an involved recipe, like smoked brisket or pork butt, so definitely head to MasterClass for Franklin’s series. But if you’re short on time, the pitmaster himself shared a few exclusive tips and tricks to get us started as we roll hog first into BBQ season (which still apply as we roll out of it too).

Have a Plan

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but also document your mistakes. You really only learn how to make good barbecue by making bad barbecue.

Fire and Smoke

Building and managing fire is key to barbecue mastery—the goal is to have the best quality smoke you can: not sooty—blue coloring is good.

Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto, $12.32 on Amazon

Go deeper with Franklin's New York Times best-selling book!
Buy Now

Brisket & Beef Selection

If you can, go to a butcher who will know some lineage on the cow and when possible, it’s always better to go all-natural when choosing beef. You hear a lot about grass-fed vs corn-fed beef: Corn-fed is fine but always cook fresh over frozen, if you can.

Size matters in choosing a brisket: The thicker they are, the better they are and want your brisket a little floppy to start. This means it has a good meat to fat ratio. If you pick up a brisket and it’s hard as a rock with no give, it is likely to feel that way after it’s cooked too.

You get what you pay for but consider practice on cheaper meats for your first couple of tries.

Read More: The Best Meat Delivery & Subscription Services of 2019

Brisket Smoking Tips

Trim the brisket so that there are rounded edges, no pieces sticking out that may dry too quickly. You want the meat to be aerodynamic so that the smoke can flow over it.

Before putting meat in the cooker, let it sit out for 30 to 45 minutes to warm to room temperature. If the meat is ice cold when put on the cooker, the edges will dry out and it will cook unevenly. During this time, the salt (from the rub) will also help pull out some of the moisture.

When placing the brisket into the cooker, face the fatty end toward the fire. This protects the leaner portion of the meat.

Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker, $199.99 on Amazon

First things first, you'll need a good smoker.
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And as if Franklin isn’t busy enough, he recently found time to sit down for with Texas Monthly‘s “National Podcast of Texas” for an interview with host Andy Langer. Franklin discusses his upcoming breakfast taco, the first ten years of Franklin BBQ, the psychology of expectations (?), and much more. You can find the episode here or on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Read More: The Best Store-Bought Rubs for Steak, Chicken & Pork

Aaron Franklin Teaches Texas-Style BBQ, $90 at MasterClass

Sign up for your MasterClass with the BBQ expert before summer ends.
Buy Now

This post was originally published on May 16, 2019 and was updated on August 23.



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Gourmet Dog Treats We’d Totally Sneak a Bite Of

We rounded up the best dog treats you can buy because your dog deserves nothing less than perfection.

Let’s be honest, some humans spoil their dogs more than they do their own kids. I’m not saying whether or not I completely, totally get it and agree 100 percent with the philosophy. No, no I’m not saying that….at all. But I am saying that dogs deserve as much of the good stuff as anyone else for putting up with all of our coming, and going, and general dysfunction.

Related Reading: The Best Pet Delivery Services in 2019

As it were, dog treats have enjoyed a true culinary upgrade of late, borrowing trends from the human food world including bone broth, the Mediterranean diet, and even the CBD craze. Check out some of our favorite gourmet dog treats to spoil your pooch this National Dog Day. They’ll love ya for it…even more than they already do.

HOWND Hemp-Infused Dog Treats, $11.99 on Amazon

Amazon

The CBD craze is not just for the two-legged among us. Owners of anxious animals often sing the praises of hemp extract (which won’t get you or your dog high) for soothing and calming those hyper puppies out there. Try these CBD dog treats with hemp and chamomile to calm your fidgety fido.Buy Now

Bocce’s Bone Broth Biscuits, $5.50 on Amazon

Amazon

Bone broth is another human trend that seems to have crossed over to doggydom. Well, sort of. This isn’t bone broth per se but the wheat-free biscuits are made with simple, organic, and locally sourced ingredients and carry some of the same properties and benefits of a hearty broth.Buy Now

Doggy Peanut Butter Cups, $8.50 on Etsy

Etsy

I don’t think I can wait until Halloween to try these canine peanut butter cups made with dog-safe carob instead of chocolate. Everyone knows Reese’s are the best treat for humans so there is no reason to believe it would be any different for dogs.Buy Now

Related Reading: These Grilled Peanut Butter Sandwich Combos Will Change Your Life

OlviPet Olive Oil-Infused Treats

AmazonWhy not put Rosco on the Mediterranean diet? This unique and healthy gourmet dog treat is infused with cold pressed extra virgin olive oil (from Crete to be exact). Olive oil is known for a myriad of health benefits for humans and dogs including a richer, thicker coat of fur—and they taste great, too! Or so I’d imagine. Nothing to see here.Buy Now

Homemade Bacon Snickerdoodles, $23 on Etsy

Etsy

Seriously, now I’m pissed. Dogs are out there getting bacon snickerdoodles? I don’t think those even exist for humans yet, so I’m for sure taking a handful and running. But real talk, it’s hard to imagine a combination of flavors your dog would love more in a treat than this one.Buy Now

Chicken Jerky, $15 on Etsy

Etsy

With the explosion of air fryers and dehydrators jerky that’s made from all sorts of meats has become a big trend, which is why your pup will look extra chic chewing on this chicken jerky made especially for dogs.Buy Now

Related Reading: How to Make Your Own Jerky

Bacon Cheese Biscuits, $13.49 on Amazon

Amazon

I promise to do my best not to sneak a couple of these dog treats from Baxter but when I hear bacon and cheese in the same sentence it usually means I’m gonna eat whatever the thing is. These are some of the most well-reviewed dog treats on Amazon and since dogs can’t really use computers, I’m guessing I’m not the only person who’s had the thought.Buy Now

Bacon Jerky, $9.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Bacon never goes out of style, just ask any dog who has jumped higher than they ever thought they could to snag a piece off the kitchen counter. Now pups can have their own “human grade” bacon so everyone is happy.Buy Now

Related Video: How to Make Your Own Gourmet Salmon Dog Treats



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The Best Low-Carb Low-Cal Beers for Summer

A new crop of low calorie, low carb beers are flooding the market and flying off shelves—and many of them taste great. Long gone are the days when watery Michelob Ultra, and bland Bud Select were the only safe havens for keto or paleo beer drinkers looking to shave an inch or two off their waistline.

Julia Herz, Craft Beer Program Director for the Brewers Association, has seen the low-calorie, low-carb beer revolution firsthand and notes that “different brewing methods and approaches have opened up new doors for healthier beers. Dogfish Head, for instance, just released a low-carb IPA brewed with monk fruit—an advanced fermentable—allowing them to use less malt (sugar), generally needed to balance the pronounced hop build in this style of beer.”

“Beer lovers are clearly looking for a more healthful approach to drinking that supports popular low-carb diets like keto and paleo,” Herz continued, “but some beer brands, like Sufferfest (San Francisco) are going a step further, adding herbal botanical components like bee pollen to ‘healthify’ their beer.”

Related Reading: How to Have a Keto BBQ this Summer

Any way you slice it, it’s a mighty fine time to be a beer drinker on a low carb diet. If you’re looking to track down some of the best low-carb, low-calorie beers for summer, here are few of our favorites.

Lagunitas Daytime IPA

  • ABV: 4%
  • Carbs: 3 grams
  • Calories: 98

One of my favorite low-carb beers on the list. A very light, bright “fractional low-calorie IPA” as the West Coast brewery, Lagunitas, refers to it. This one is easy to find in most major cities and good beer shops, and don’t be fooled by its light appearance; the beer has beautiful tropical fruit notes and nice, balanced hoppiness.

Related: The Best Subscription Boxes for Beer Lovers

Ommegang Brut IPA

  • ABV: 6.3%
  • Carbs: 5 grams
  • Calories: 153

There’s almost nothing Ommegang does that I don’t like, including this low-carb Brut IPA. Most of their beers are done in the Belgian style, and this hop-driven IPA, using high attenuation and bottle conditioning, achieves a bright, dry, Champagne-like profile.

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA

  • ABV: 4%
  • Carbs: 3.6 grams
  • Calories: 95

This low-carb and low-calorie IPA is just rolling out from Delaware brewery Dogfish Head. The brewery was recently purchased by Samuel Adams but it hasn’t stopped them from making highly innovative beers, and Slightly Mighty is as good an example as any. The beer has all the trappings of a good, light IPA. Its secret weapon is monk fruit which allows for a malt-like balance to all those hops without the residual sugar and far fewer carbs.

Craft Beer Club, 12 beers per month for $42

One of our all-time favorite craft beer delivery services!
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Ballast Point Lager

  • ABV: 4.2%
  • Carbs: 3.5 grams
  • Calories: 99

This is a solid, easy-drinking, low-calorie lager. Great for a big party or day at the beach (or flip cup tournament). Ballast doesn’t have a ton of nuance like some of the others but I’ll take it over a Bud Select any day. Plus, don’t ya just love the can?

Four Peaks Brut IPA

  • ABV: 6.7%
  • Carbs: 5 grams
  • Calories: 152

It seems to defy science that Four Peaks could get so much booze into a low-cal, low-carb beer but by George they’ve done it! This brut IPA is almost like dry Champagne. But hoppier. With an apricot, honeydew, and white wine nose, this is one of the more fun and playful low-carb beers on the list, and an absolute must try if you’re on a diet this summer.

Sufferfest Repeat Kolsch

  • ABV: 3.5%
  • Carbs: 5 grams
  • Calories: 95

Sufferfest bills this beer as “inspired by athletes.” And while I don’t know that any booze is going to amplify your athletic prowess, some may slow you down more than others. Repeat stands up to a taste test and if you like light, slightly malty German Kolsch beer, like Schlafly or Reissdorf, you’re bound to like this low-carb version too.

North Coast Scrimshaw

  • ABV: 4.7%
  • Carbs: 2 grams
  • Calories: 100

North Coast’s Scrimshaw has a relatively high ABV (or certainly not low), only 100 calories, and 2 net carbs. A perfect keto beer, and a bright, fresh, easy-drinking low-calorie pilsner besides.

Pico C Home Brewing Appliance, $399 on Amazon

Try your luck at low-cal beer with our favorite home brewing system.
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New Belgium Mural

  • ABV: 4%
  • Carbs: 9 grams
  • Calories: 110

Although it’s got a slightly higher carb count than some of the others, this lager has lovely flavors of watermelon, hibiscus, and lime against a sweet, slightly tart profile, light mouthfeel, and crisp finish. The Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza is the perfect low-calorie option for those who covet a fruitier, sweet beer but don’t covet all the calories they often come with.

Devil’s Backbone Tangerine Ale

  • ABV: 4%
  • Carbs: 2 grams
  • Calories: 90

Devil’s Backbone brewery refers to this bright, tart tangerine beer as a “sparkling ale.” One of the lowest carb beers on the list and another good one for those who like fruit-forward beers that aren’t too sweet like a watermelon ale.

Boulevard Brewing Easy Sport

  • ABV: 4.1%
  • Carbs: 4.5 grams
  • Calories: 99

A bright, sour tangerine flavor is balanced by airy sweetness in the Easy Sport, another low-carb beer billed for and marketed to athletes. The brewers add electrolytes and magnesium to this beer which, in theory, could help you recover from a game or race.

Jack’s Abby Blood Orange Wheat

  • ABV: 4%
  • Carbs: 8 grams
  • Calories: 130

A German-style wheat beer, this low-carb radler (a lot like a shandy) is only available in the northeast, as of now. It’s on the sweet side but at just 130 calories has far fewer than most others in its category.

Rastal Teku Tulip Beer Glasses (set of 6), $49.87

The right tulip tasting glass makes ANY beer taste better.
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Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale (Gluten Free)

  • ABV: 4.2%
  • Carbs: 5 grams
  • Calories: 99

This is the beer you’ve been waiting for if you’re both watching your carbs/calories and also trying to avoid gluten. For my money Omission have been the most consistent gluten-free beer makers and the trend continues with this tasty and easy-drinking, light golden ale.

Heineken Premium Light

  • ABV: 3.3%
  • Carbs: 6.8 grams
  • Calories: 99

One of the latest from Heineken, this low-carb premium light lager is competitive with the others on calories at just 99 and slightly higher in carbs with 6.8, but if you’re a Heineken drinker looking to downsize your calorie intake this summer, it could be just the one for you.

Related: Gifts for Dads Who Enjoy Their Booze

Calidad Beer

  • ABV: 4.5%
  • Carbs: 13 grams
  • Calories: 140

For the Tecate or Modelo lover, this lager is done in the Mexican style but made in California. This, of course, means it takes well to a lime, cutting into all the lager-y maltiness. When it’s all said and done Calidad clocks in at a substantially higher calorie and carb count than most on our list, but still less than Corona.



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